Jokowi’s Commitment for Papua

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo tried hard to show his commitment to the social welfare of Papuans. As a presidential candidate Jokowi kicked off his election campaign in Papua on Jun. 5, 2014. And later, on the day of his inauguration, the President gave the ceremonial cutting of tumpeng (tumeric infused rice cone), which symbolizes blessing for the future, to three Papuan women. And then, the President also appointed Yohana Susana Yembise as the first female Papuan Minister in Indonesian history. But now that societal conflict has once again appeared in the frontier province, what will Jokowi do beyond the symbolism?[continue reading]